On Mon 30 Jan, we will begin discussing the problem of underdetermination. To prepare for Monday's class, please do the following.
Read
- Duhem Chpt. 7 - Read this carefully
- Quine, Chpt. 9 - Start reading this
Think About
- What is the main argument Duhem presents to support the view that statements in physics are never tested in isolation?
- Why does Duhem believe that there is no such thing as a crucial experiment in physics?
- Does Duhem's view have any consequences for scientific realism? Why or why not?
NOTE: If you are writing a response paper for this Wednesday, you must write on Chpt. 10.
